Buddy

by Ellie Northern
(Waynesville, Ohio)

Tomorrow is gonna be rough. 💔

The day we went to get our puppy, my dad was insistent that we had to get a girl dog. But when we got there, Buddy was the first and only puppy to trot right up to us with his friendly little face, and that was that.

The first night, we kept him in a box with the tiniest opening in it so there was no way he could get out. Of course, he got out and pooped everywhere. Should have been a sign that he would forever be an escape artist!

When he was young I was convinced he could play soccer with me like Air Bud. He's never really played fetch, but he can stop, drop, and roll over for a belly rub like no other.

He hates storms, loves laying in the sun. I'm pretty sure he prefers for Mollie to carry him to the barn at night rather than walk himself. Loved the hikes by Caesars creek back to the waterfall with Abbey.

He did NOT like the Christmas photos we made him be a part of. He loved jumping in the car if he thought he might get a ride -- hanging half his body out the window the whole time.

Today we went for a car ride, a walk, had a double cheeseburger, ice cream, AND frozen yogurt. Lots of belly rubs, tears, laughs, pictures, and memories.

I regret taking him for granted over the years, not giving him all the attention I could have and should have. I just never really thought about a day when he wouldn't be here anymore. And now we are saying goodbye. 😪

Today was a good day for a good dog. I wish things were different, but I'm so thankful my parents let us get that puppy, and for the almost 14 years we got to call him ours.

I'm gonna miss him. ❤️🐶 💔